Kindly allow me to share some thoughts through the Guardian of democracy as we approach yet another General election we are being asked to support two main political parties in an extremely charged political climate where our leaders are heading towards a divisive approach to appeal to their respective supporters. This is not taking us anywhere and corrective action is needed, if we are to build a nation.
I have read recently where Dr Winford James outlined the challenges of the various ethnicities and their natural tendencies to associate and support people of a similar appearance and background in our approach to voting . Whilst he acknowledged that reality, he offered no solution as to how we can overcome such difficulties in trying to build that rainbow nation where all races and creed can enjoy the comforts of a harmonious relationship regardless of etnicities.
In the late sixties and early seventies, race did not matter, we went out for lunches etc on a Saturday after half day’s work for a sumptuous meal ,drinks etc for the rest of the afternoon and the camaraderie we shared then remains ,even today.When and how did that change?
I maintain it has to come from poor leadership over the years and the divide and rule phenomina which we are witnessing today.
Kamla called Dr Rowley an “oreo’cookie so he has to respond in like manner.
How can we build together when one group distrusts the other, especially with the country’s resources which belong to all of us. We all came here under similar circumstances some feared better than others for whatever the reason, but all had similar opportunities, free tertiary education,financial resources better standards of living through hard work, but the will to get ahead for some was lacking, and they paid a price for it.
But with good leadership, a genuine effort could have been made to harness these idle human resources to a more productive contribution to enhance our environment or improve our food security.
I am of the opinion that our examplars like Mr James,Mr Kambon ,Mr Cudjoe and other can pull our peoples together for nation building and development of human capital, so that we may all benefit.
Sathya Persad
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